William Copley

William H. "Bill" Copley, 85, Died Thursday June 16, 2011 at his home in Godfrey.  Bill was born on September 4, 1925 in Alton and was the son of Chester Copley and Leona (Napp) Copley.  He married Delores "Dee" Holland and they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary earlier this year.

Bill was a machinist at Shell Oil Company for 34 years before retiring in 1985. His work at Shell was interrupted by an Army tour during the time of the Korean War.  During his retirement, he and Dee split their time between Godfrey and Ft. Myers Florida.  They enjoyed square dancing, camping, and traveling in their 5th wheeler. Bill loved fishing and golf and was always proud of his one hole-in-one.  Bill was a member of the Godfrey Congregational Church for over 70 years and established a vegetable garden at the church for the Crisis Food Center. He was a member of the Godfrey Cemetery Board and was also active in delivering Meals on Wheels.  He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Jane and Todd Kelsey of Plainview, Illinois; son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Jamie Copley of New Orleans, Louisiana; granddaughter and grandson, Andrea and Will Kelsey of Plainview.  Also surviving is a brother and sister-in-law Robert and Nancy Copley of Godfrey; brother, Tom Copley of Houston Texas; and brother and sister-in-law, Chet and Nita Copley of Houston, Texas.  Bill is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and a multitude of friends. 

Friends are invited to visit Gent Funeral Home in Alton on Sunday, June 19 from 5-8 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at Godfrey Congregational Church with Reverend Dr. Chris Hucker officiating at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 20.  Memorials may be made to the Godfrey Congregational Church in care of Gent Funeral Home.
Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

Obit Provided By:
Gent Funeral Home